Deleted:Robin Raszka

Robin Raszka

From the formative years of programming on an IBM PC/XT in the mid-'90s to stepping into the competitive world of professional gaming, my life has been a series of interconnected digital experiences. These experiences were not merely hobbies but building blocks for an entrepreneurial journey that would span across continents and industries. Based in Palo Alto and later New York City, I've worn multiple hats—pro-gamer, web designer, product designer, and finally, tech entrepreneur. My ventures have evolved from the gaming arena to the dynamic tech ecosystems of Silicon Valley and NYC. What binds these disparate threads is my punk-y naivety, a unique blend of untrained entrepreneurial intuition and technical prowess that has allowed me to innovate and excel across fields. This non-linear path has informed my work at Beam, Alter, and now 1337, where my ability to serve as a bridge between design and emerging technologies like machine learning and AI marks a new chapter in my journey.

Early Life and Interests:

In the mid-'90s, my digital initiation began with my grandpa's IBM ThinkPad 300. This early exposure not only fostered my love for gaming but also shaped my approach to problem-solving and strategizing, traits that would serve me well in the future. Years later, with an IBM PC/XT (model 5160) in my hands, I was a young coder fumbling around in BASIC and playing Tetris. This early experimentation laid the groundwork for the tech-savvy individual I would become.

Early Career and Pro-Gaming:

The late '90s were a time of discovery as I got my first 14.4 Kbps modem and dived headlong into IRC channels. Fast forward to the early 2000s, I became an integral part of the Czech pro-gaming community. LAN parties and QuakeWorld sessions became my weekend norm. Yet, it was my foray into web design and development that marked the beginning of a multifaceted career. It was then that I recognized the potential for coding and design to go hand in hand, a revelation that would prove pivotal down the line.

Transition to Tech Entrepreneurship:

The journey from web designer and pro gamer to tech entrepreneur was less of a leap and more of a progressive ascent, punctuated by carefully considered risks and intuitive leaps. The transition began in the mid-2000s with projects such as implementing Flash-based video chat functionalities for the Libimseti.cz social network. At the same time, I founded my own web design shop, never losing touch with my gaming roots as I continued to play Q3A.

The next significant chapter unfolded when the iPhone was released and I moved to Palo Alto, CA. The cultural and technological chasm between the Czech Republic and Silicon Valley forced a rapid acclimation on my part. In Palo Alto, I collaborated with leading figures like Alain Rossman at Klip and made valuable connections with Nick d'Aloisio and Jon Slimak. These partnerships not only provided me access to prestigious design roles but also laid the cornerstone for my future as an entrepreneur.

My entrepreneurial journey is also marked by an unconventional approach, what I like to call my "punk-y naivety." This mindset, free from the constraints of formal technical or business education, has enabled me to envision and act upon solutions that would perhaps be non-obvious to those steeped in traditional paradigms. This unorthodox approach has made me receptive to groundbreaking ideas and innovations.

One of my notable skills is coding the UI myself, giving me full control over the end-user experience. This control has even extended to my work with machine learning and AI teams in projects like Alter, allowing for a seamless blend between art and technology. These cumulative experiences and skills have set the stage for my entrepreneurial ventures in Beam, Alter, and now 1337.